Computer-implemented system and method for wayfinding

Abstract

A computer-implemented wayfinding system and method, wherein the system includes an interconnected network of computer entities capable of transmitting and receiving audio and visual outputs and inputs to users in order to guide them through an environment. In one aspect of the wayfinding system, a series of kiosks are interconnected, with at least one kiosk being capable of printing a barcode that provides destination information inputted by the user. The kiosks may be located at designated locations of the environment, so that a user searching for his or her destination may scan their barcode, and the kiosk will provide audio and visual directions to the destination. The kiosks know their designated locations in the environment, and thus, may provide the most direct route to any other point in the environment.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY[0001]The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 311,481, filed Aug. 11, 2001, the disclosure of which being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to wayfinding, and, more particularly to a computer-implemented system and method for wayfinding.[0004]B. Description of the Related Art[0005]When people are in unfamiliar environments (e.g., a building, a group of buildings, a campus, airport, etc.), they need to know where they are in the environment, the layout of the environment, and the location of their destination in order to formulate the best route to the destination. En route to their destinations, people are helped by physical wayfinding systems.[0006]Wayfinding is essential in today's society. The term “wayfinding” was first used in 1960 by Kevin Lynch, The Image of the City, where he referred to ma...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Faulty sign detection can cause navigation problems in unfamiliar environments.

Some signs lack visibility because letters are illegible when viewed from a distance.

Some signs contain inaccurate, ambiguous, outdated, or unfamiliar information.

Other signs are obscured or contain reflective surfaces, which hinder comprehension.

Furthermore, much of the American population is either functionally illiterate or does not speak English.

Thus, an outdated wayfinding system would guide people through and to locations that may no longer exist.

Unfortunately, the cost of keeping physical wayfinding systems current may be great.

The costs for providing verbal directions may be astronomical for a business.

For instance, hospital personnel estimate that they spend a considerable amount of their time giving directions to people, which translates into lost work time for these people, time which could be spent saving lives or performing other tasks necessary for a functioning hospital.

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